Whilst in a multiplayer mission, an often-requested feature for our multi-crew aircraft has been the ability to switch between the Pilot and Co-Pilot/Gunner seats. We are happy to say that the first integration of this multiplayer feature is now in testing for DCS: Mi-24P Hind and DCS: AH-64D.
We are pleased to announce the ability to switch seats in multiplayer will soon be coming to the DCS: AH-64D and DCS: Mi-24P Hind. If flying an AH-64D by yourself in a multiplayer mission, you will be able to switch between seats and allow the AI to occupy the other seat. If, however, you allow another human player to join your aircraft, you will be automatically moved to the pilot seat and the other human player will occupy the CP/G seat.
The End of Summer Flash Sale has begun and will last until the 2nd of October at 23:59 GMT on our eShop. We will also be participating in a Flash Sale on Steam from the 26th until the 3rd of October at 10:00 GMT. Take advantage of this opportunity and get up to a 50% discount on our entire product range. Most of our campaigns are also included.
Modules with a 30% discount
DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer
DCS: F-16C Viper
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
DCS: JF-17 Thunder
DCS: Mosquito
DCS: Mi-24P Hind
DCS: Supercarrier
DCS: Channel
Modules with a 25% discount
DCS: F-14 Tomcat
Campaigns with a 33% discount
DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Jagdflieger Campaign
DCS: F-14A Fear the Bones Campaign
DCS: F-14A Zone 5 Campaign
DCS: F-86F Hunters over the Yalu Campaign
DCS: Fw 190 A-8 Horrido! Campaign
DCS: P-47D Wolfpack Campaign
DCS: P-51D: The Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney Campaign
DCS: Spitfire IX The Big Show Campaign
DCS: UH-1 Paradise Lost
Terrains with a 50% discount
DCS: Nevada
DCS: Normandy
DCS: Persian Gulf
DCS: Syria
Most of our other products are on sale with a 50% discount. Shop for details.
Following some time off, I’d like to update you on current Viper tasks and priority tasks following those.
Current tasks include:
Complete external model Level of Detail (LOD) to improve performance.
We are now close to completing the High Drag and Low Drag ballistics and calculations for both CCIP and delayed-CCIP releases for the MK-84HD. This should also improve other general-purpose bombs.
The Low Altitude Drogue Delivery (LADD) is being finalized and tested.
Correcting some HOTAS short and long press logic. This is also true for jettisons.
GPS target coordinate shifting.
Radar SAM and DTT modes tracking retention improvement.
Adjustments to SPOTLIGHT mode for short press.
Adjustments to Track While Scan (TWS) designations.
Animated ECS inlets.
Following the above, priority items include:
Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR)
Tuning air-to-air performance including look-down and search to bug target delay.
Digital Maneuver Cue (DMC) and Loft indications.
Further work on Link 16 and adding air-to-air target assignments.
Alternate gear handle and animated trail hook.
Please note that this is not a 100% inclusive list, but rather the more important highlights.
This week we are delighted to present the DCS World 2.8 update. Version 2.8 will contain a weather system update that includes moving clouds, Mission Editor controls, and much more.
After extensive testing of new moving clouds and effects like rainbows, we are ready to update DCS World weather in the upcoming 2.8 version. The Weather System includes optimization for VR, and we are confident that this will result in a more stable and smooth experience.
Version 2.8 will be a large update to DCS, and you will be able to experience new atmospheric effects like rainbows and ice halos. The ice halo effect settings have been added to the Mission Editor Weather tab, and clouds will now move according to wind direction and speed. The rain effect has also been enhanced, and there have been fixes to rare volumetric clouds artifacts.
Adjustments have been made to the tone-mapping process and exposure control. We recommend a gamma setting of 2.2. Flat shadows on MFDs and cockpit shading have also been improved.
We are excited to bring you this Weather System update, and we look forward to your feedback. Please stay tuned for more DCS 2.8 news coming soon.
The Black Shark 3 Upgrade Program will allow all existing owners of the Black Shark 2 to upgrade to Black Shark 3 at a reduced price. Now is a great time to download DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 2 to get to grips with this fearsome beast in time for the Black Shark 3.
Black Shark 3 Development Report
3D Helicopter Model
The completely new and more accurately detailed 3D model is based on newly available data, drawings and photographs. The model incorporates our latest technologies and materials, which will bring the Black Shark 3 to the current standards of recent DCS modules and exceed it. A novel modeling of internal compartments, engines, transmission, and control elements is a first for a DCS module. All of this exquisite detail can be seen under the hatches.
Air-to-Air Missiles
Igla missiles are similar to those used in MANPADS and they are designed to intercept subsonic aircraft out to 5 km. New wingtip pylons have been added for Igla missiles that provide two additional hardpoints to the four existing ones.
Missile Warning System
The sensors of the Missile Warning System (MWS) are integrated into the onboard defense system with the ability to display detected threats on the ABRIS display. Four combined MWS sensors operate in the IR and UV ranges, and they are located in pairs on the nose and tail of the helicopter. When a launch is detected, a missile launch warning is displayed on the ABRIS display and automatic dispensing of flares is possible.
New Inertial Navigation System
The inertial navigation system in the Ka-50 is now based on complex information processing algorithms using the Kalman filter - just like in real navigation systems. The calculator receives data from several navigation sensors. Based on these input data, the Kalman filter vector is calculated, consisting of three-axis coordinates, velocities, heading, drift angle, and wind speed. Thanks to the filter, even if one or more navigation sensors fail or give out data with a large error, the navigation parameters will continue to be calculated indirectly through data from other sensors. This model of the inertial navigation system is the most advanced in DCS and will be used in the development of new aircraft.
For fans of the classic Ka-50 of Black Shark 2, there will be a Mission Editor option to remove the Missile Warning System (MWS) sensors and Igla Air-to-Air missiles.
Bundles Promotion
We are pleased to offer two exceptional bundles that combine DCS: Black Shark 2 with either the DCS: Mi-8MTV2 or DCS: Combined Arms. Purchasing both products together will grant you a massive discount of up to 50%. These bundles are also available on Steam.
Black Shark 2 and Magnificent Eight Bundle
The ultimate combination of striking force and transport. This bundle will prepare you for the more advanced features, coming to Black Shark 3. It is a good way to practice your helicopter flying skills too.
Black Shark 2 and Combined Arms Bundle
This bundle allows you to fly the powerful Ka-50 Black Shark 2 and manage the battlefield from the map view during a mission using Combined Arms. Combined Arms also allows you to play the role of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).
Both of these bundles are now available for $49.99. Prepare for Black Shark 3 before it’s too late!
The DCS Halloween 2022 Sale gives you great savings of up to 50% across our most popular products. Head over to our Shop for an exclusive sale until the 6th of November at 23:59 GMT. Due to Steam Halloween Sale criteria, this promotion is not available on Steam.
DCS 2.8 Progress
We are excited about the release of DCS version 2.8. This update includes some long-requested improvements such as moving clouds and weather effects, HOTAS updates, new jet aircraft AI Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM), multicrew sync enhancements, an F10 compass mode, Module Manager groups, and more! The Persian Gulf map also includes new, dynamic light sources like street lamps and airfield flood lights.
Work on the Petrovich AI for DCS: Mi-24P Hind continues, and our latest development has focused on Petrovich background behaviors. These determine what Petrovich will do when not busy blowing stuff up with ATGMs or searching for targets through the periscope sight.
One of the activities, which is almost finished, will allow Petrovich to scan for threats and warn you of them. Petrovich AI will move his Field Of View (FOV) in different directions to scan for potential threats like missiles or projectiles fired at you. The FOV is limited, and if Petrovich looks at something on the starboard side, he won't notice gun or missile fire coming from the port side. When detecting threats, Petrovich will only notice missiles from far away when a smoke trail is still present. The projectile detection range is limited to 2.5km. Petrovich will not warn you of everything detected and flood you with messages. Rather, Petrovich will be looking at relative speeds and trajectory to decide if a missile or hail of rounds pose a threat. Just like a real co-pilot, he will make educated guesses and warn about incoming missiles, even if the missile is locked on another target that is close to you.
Messages and voice overs will be in the form of clock direction calls, between 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock. Petrovich will also use countermeasures automatically when he detects incoming missiles. We also have a new video from Wolfpack345 ready that reviews all Petrovich AI functionality. Check out DCS: Mi-24P Hind Petrovich AI.
We will next move this technology to George in the AH-64D.
Ka-50 Black Shark 2 Big Bundle Bargains
With the imminent release of Black Shark 3, we kindly remind you that the Black Shark 2 + Mi-8MTV2 or the Black Shark 2 + Combined Arms bundles are the best way to access massive savings on the DCS: Black Shark 3! Make sure you grab this opportunity whilst there is still time!